What are stroopwafels good for? The versatile Dutch delicacy

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

Originating in Gouda, Netherlands, during the late 18th century, the humble stroopwafel was first created as a 'poor man's cookie' using leftover crumbs and syrup. Fast-forward to today, and this beloved Dutch treat is good for far more than a simple snack, serving as a delicious and versatile food loved worldwide.

Quick Summary

A traditional Dutch cookie of two thin waffle layers joined by a caramel filling, the stroopwafel is enjoyed warm over a hot drink or as a dessert topping. It also functions as a quick, portable energy source for athletes during exercise.

Key Points

Coffee Companion: The classic method of enjoying a stroopwafel is by warming it over a hot mug of coffee or tea to melt the caramel filling.
Athlete's Fuel: For athletes, stroopwafels provide a convenient source of carbohydrates for both quick and sustained energy during endurance activities.
Versatile Ingredient: Use stroopwafels as a delicious and creative ingredient for desserts, including ice cream sandwiches, pie crusts, and sundaes.
Creative Snacks: Get creative by using stroopwafels in S'mores, crumbling them over yogurt, or blending them into milkshakes for unique treats.
Traditional vs. Energy: While traditional versions are a treat, specialized 'energy waffles' are formulated for athletes with optimized carbohydrates and electrolytes.
Rich History: The stroopwafel originated in the Dutch city of Gouda in the late 18th century, initially made from leftover bakery scraps.

The Traditional Dutch Ritual: Warming and Enjoying

The most classic and cherished way to enjoy a stroopwafel is by warming it over a hot beverage. Placing the wafer on top of a mug of steaming coffee, tea, or cocoa for a minute or two allows the heat to gently soften the caramel filling. This creates a supremely gooey and aromatic treat, offering a delightful contrast between the crispy wafer and the melted, chewy center. This simple act elevates a coffee break into a moment of pure, comforting indulgence.

How to get the perfect melt:

Balance the heat: Rest the stroopwafel on the rim of the mug, ensuring it covers the opening but doesn't fall in. This allows the steam to work its magic.
Patience is key: A minute is usually enough for the caramel to soften. Resist the urge to rush it, as the gentle warming process is part of the experience.
Cold brew alternative: If you prefer a cold beverage, a quick eight-second blast in the microwave achieves a similar gooey effect.

The Athlete's Secret: An Unconventional Energy Source

Beyond being a tasty snack, stroopwafels have carved out a niche in the world of sports nutrition. Athletes, particularly those engaged in endurance sports like cycling and running, use them as an effective and enjoyable energy source. The high carbohydrate content, particularly the sugars, offers a readily available burst of energy during prolonged exercise.

Some brands, like GU Energy Labs, have developed specialized "Energy Waffles" inspired by the traditional treat, containing added electrolytes and tailored to provide a mix of simple and complex carbohydrates.

Benefits for athletes:

Quick and sustained energy: The sugar and carbohydrates provide both immediate and longer-lasting fuel for muscles.
Convenience: The small, lightweight, and non-perishable nature of stroopwafels makes them easy to carry and consume on the go.
Palatability: Their delicious taste helps combat 'flavor fatigue' that can occur with repetitive sports gels and bars during long sessions.

A Culinary Canvas: Stroopwafels in Desserts and Beyond

Stroopwafels' unique texture and caramel flavor make them a versatile ingredient in modern desserts and other creative culinary applications. They can add a satisfying crunch or a gooey caramel element to a variety of dishes.

Here are some creative ways to incorporate stroopwafels into your cooking:

Stroopwafel Ice Cream Sandwich: For a fantastic textural contrast, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two stroopwafels.
Pie Crust: Crush stroopwafels into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter to create a unique and flavorful base for cheesecakes or tarts.
S'mores Alternative: Swap traditional graham crackers for stroopwafels to create an incredibly gooey and caramel-filled version of s'mores.
Dessert Topping: Crumble pieces of stroopwafel over ice cream sundaes, yogurt parfaits, or warm apple crumble to add texture and a rich flavor.
Milkshake Mix-in: Blend a crumbled stroopwafel directly into a milkshake for a decadent, caramel-infused twist.

Traditional vs. Energy Waffles: A Comparison

While both offer delicious satisfaction, a traditional stroopwafel and an athletic energy waffle serve different functions, as shown in the table below.


Feature	Traditional Stroopwafel	Energy Waffle (e.g., GU)
Primary Purpose	Indulgent snack or dessert	Pre, during, or post-activity fuel
Key Ingredients	Flour, butter, caramel (stroop), spices	Carbs, electrolytes, simple/complex sugars
Nutritional Focus	Rich flavor and texture for enjoyment	Sustained energy and easy digestibility
Best Enjoyed	Warmed over a hot drink or at room temp	On-the-go, often before or during exercise
Flavor Variety	Classic caramel, sometimes honey or chocolate	Wide range, from fruit to coffee caramel

Conclusion: More Than Just a Cookie

From its humble beginnings as a way to use up bakery leftovers in Gouda, the stroopwafel has transformed into a global phenomenon with a surprisingly wide range of uses. Whether you are an athlete in need of a quick, digestible energy boost, a home baker looking for a creative new ingredient, or simply someone who appreciates a comforting warm treat with your coffee, the stroopwafel is good for a lot. It's a testament to the power of a simple, delicious idea that has stood the test of time and continues to find new ways to delight people around the world.

For further reading on energy waffles, visit GU Energy Labs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most traditional method is to place the stroopwafel on top of a hot cup of coffee or tea for a few minutes. This allows the steam to warm and soften the caramel filling inside, creating a gooey and flavorful treat.

Yes, athletes commonly use stroopwafels as a source of quick, sustained energy during exercise. The high carbohydrate content provides fuel for endurance activities, and specialized versions are available with added electrolytes.

Stroopwafels pair well with various items. Beyond coffee and tea, consider using them to make ice cream sandwiches, crumbling them over yogurt, or serving them alongside a warm apple crumble.

The correct Dutch pronunciation is approximately 'strohp-wah-full'. However, in English, 'stroopwaffle' is also commonly used and understood.

Stroopwafels were first created in Gouda, Netherlands, in the late 18th or early 19th century by a baker using leftover dough and syrup. They were initially known as 'poor man's cookies'.

Yes, stroopwafels are a versatile baking ingredient. You can crush them to make a sweet pie or cheesecake crust or use them as a topping for various baked goods and desserts.

If you don't have a hot drink, you can warm a stroopwafel by placing it in the microwave for approximately eight seconds. This will also soften the caramel filling effectively.